CONFUSION surrounds Southport FC’s AGM after shareholders were left believing chairman Charlie Clapham would match any donations they made to Gary Brabin’s war chest.

With around 250 shareholders and the suggested figure of them each donating £400, that could have amounted to an incredible £100,000 contribution from the chairman.

The original motion had come from Stuart Gordon, who had asked for the new season’s budget to be increased by ten per cent.

On hearing Mr Gordon’s suggestion Clapham is reported to have initially stood firm on next season’s budget saying it wouldn’t increase.

However, a few seconds later the chairman allegedly told the meeting: "There are approximately 250 shareholders here and if each one were to put £400 into the club then I will match it, which will amount to a significant sum."

That would have given Brabin a potential extra £200,000 to his playing fund.

However, it is now thought that Clapham meant he would match any contribution made by Stuart Gordon, not the other shareholders.

Chief executive Haydn Preece said: "We enjoyed a very positive meeting on Tuesday night and there was a rallying call that we need to do all we can financially.

"The chairman was looking for the shareholders’ backing and with the current financial climate he is very careful to make sure we keep complete control of our finances.

"With Boston, Nuneaton and Halifax all facing the football abyss this weekend he was looking for other shareholders to match any contribution from Stuart Gordon. He also said he would personally match any contribution Stuart might make.

"Whatever monies we can raise via the shareholders it will benefit everyone and will be a welcome addition to the Visiter’s Pledge a Pound campaign which has already seen almost 100 people sign up to the club’s Goalden Lottery scheme."

Mr Gordon said: "I had initially used my speech to congratulate Charlie for the way he has put the club on a sound financial footing and the way he has shown financial prudence.

"Even if we only get, say, 200 people to give £100 each then we could bring in an extra £20,000.

"Gary Brabin is likely to be the best manager we will have in the next ten years.

"He has installed new vim and vigour into the team and has proved on two occasions that he can cut the mustard.

"The feeling among my fellow shareholders was of total enthusiasm and that Brabin is the man and we must give him our backing."